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Pulling in the Reins of a Runaway Government

A case for ending D.C. (aka “The Swamp”) overreach and returning the powers to the states as provided by our Constitution.

The United States was founded on the principle of limited government, ensuring that power remains with the people and their respective states. This is the definition of a Republic. Not to be confused, as it often is, with a democracy. However, over the decades, the federal government has expanded its reach far beyond what the Founding Fathers described in our Constitution. This overreach has led to excessive regulations, unsustainable spending, and encroachments on state sovereignty. To restore the balance of power and protect individual liberties, Convention of States Action (COSA), is urging the convening of an Article V convention to propose amending the Constitution to better reflect the evolving realities and requirements of our country. Such an amendment – among others – would (re)set firm boundaries on federal authority, preventing further encroachments and ensuring that power remains decentralized and accountable. Some Quick Background The U.S. Constitution established a framework of government in which powers were clearly parsed between federal and state governments. The Tenth Amendment explicitly states that “powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people.” In the last century, federal authority has grown significantly as a result of judicial interpretations, legislative actions, and executive overreach. A major turning point was the New Deal era, a response to the Great Depression. FDR’s administration was desperate for a way to reverse the downward-spiraling economy, started by the Wall Street crash of 1929 and exacerbated by the catastrophic Dust Bowl in our country’s breadbasket. During that decade-long catastrophe, the federal government assumed unprecedented control over economic and social policies. These power grabs established a precedent for increased federal intervention in state affairs. Similarly, the Great Society programs of the 1960s further cemented federal dominance in areas traditionally managed by states, such as education, healthcare, and welfare. More recently, federal agencies have issued thousands of regulations that impact businesses, individuals, and state governments. This bureaucratic overreach has made it increasingly difficult for local communities to govern themselves according to their unique needs and values. Without a constitutional amendment to curtail this trend, the federal government will continue to grow unchecked, leading to further erosion of states’ rights and personal freedoms. Putting the brakes on the runaway government was a major driver for putting Donald Trump back in the White House. The current administration is already making significant strides to reverse the overreach. But without a constitutional amendment, any progress could be lost in the next presidential election. Why a Constitutional Amendment For decades, D.C.’s answer to major problems is to print and spend money. Money it didn’t and doesn’t have. To expect those elected officials to reverse their ways would be tantamount to hiring an arsonist to be the new Fire Chief. A constitutional amendment is necessary to re-establish the balance of power envisioned by the Founding Fathers. While legislative efforts can provide temporary relief from federal overreach, they are often subject to political shifts and judicial reinterpretations. A constitutional amendment, however, would provide a permanent safeguard against further expansion of federal power. Some key areas for which an amendment is needed include: Limiting Federal Spending and Debt: The federal government currently operates with a national debt exceeding $36 trillion (that's $106,123 for each and every person in America). An amendment imposing fiscal responsibility measures, such as a balanced budget requirement, would ensure that government spending remains within reasonable limits. Restricting the Power of Federal Agencies: Unelected bureaucrats currently wield immense power to create and enforce regulations. An amendment should limit the scope of regulatory agencies and require congressional approval for major regulations. Reaffirming States' Sovereignty: The amendment should reinforce the Tenth Amendment by explicitly restricting federal encroachments on state governance, allowing states greater autonomy in crafting policies that reflect the will of their residents. Term Limits for Congress and Federal Judges: Career politicians and lifetime judicial appointments have led to stagnation and unaccountability. An amendment implementing term limits would promote fresh perspectives and reduce entrenched power structures. Benefits of a Constitutional Amendment A well-crafted amendment to curtail federal overreach would yield numerous benefits for American citizens and the nation as a whole. 1. Restoring the Balance of Power The Founding Fathers designed the Constitution to distribute power between federal and state governments, ensuring that no single entity could dominate. By reaffirming the appropriate distribution of powers, an amendment would again allow states to govern more effectively and respond to their citizens’ unique needs. 2. Enhancing Individual Freedoms Federal overreach often results in restrictive policies that limit individual freedoms. For example, excessive regulations can hinder small businesses, stifle innovation, and burden citizens with unnecessary compliance requirements. Reducing federal intervention would allow for greater personal and economic liberty. 3. Encouraging Fiscal Responsibility Unchecked federal spending has led to an unsustainable national debt that threatens future generations. An amendment imposing spending limits and budgetary constraints would force the federal government to prioritize essential services and eliminate wasteful expenditures. 4. Promoting Accountability and Transparency One of the major issues with federal overreach is the lack of accountability among bureaucrats and long-serving politicians. Implementing term limits and requiring greater oversight of regulatory agencies would ensure that government officials remain answerable to the people. 5. Empowering State and Local Governments Decentralizing power would allow states and local governments to craft policies that align with their populations’ values and needs. This would result in more effective governance, as state governments are better equipped to address local issues than a distant federal bureaucracy. Possible Challenges to an Amendment Ending Overreach Opponents of a constitutional amendment to limit federal power argue that federal oversight is necessary to ensure uniform standards across states. While national standards may be necessary in certain areas such as defense and foreign policy, many domestic policies—such as education, healthcare, and economic regulations—are best managed at the state level. A constitutional amendment should carefully delineate the appropriate scope of federal power while preserving necessary national functions. Additionally, some critics contend that amending the Constitution is a difficult and time-consuming process. While this is true, it is also a necessary and worthwhile endeavor. Throughout history, significant constitutional changes have been made to address pressing national concerns, such as the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights. The challenge of amending the Constitution should not deter efforts to restore balance to the federal system. *“… And to the Republic, for which is stands…”* The unchecked expansion of federal power has led to an imbalance in the American political system, reducing state sovereignty and individual freedoms. A constitutional amendment to rein in federal overreach would provide a long-term solution to this issue by restoring the intended balance of power, enhancing personal liberties, promoting fiscal responsibility, and ensuring greater government accountability. While the process of amending the Constitution is challenging, it is a necessary step to preserve the principles upon which the United States was founded. Amendments can be created in two ways: through acts of congress (as has been the case in all existing 27 amendments) or through an Article V convention. COSA is currently promoting the latter approach.) By advocating for and implementing such an amendment, the American people can take a definitive step toward reclaiming their rights and ensuring a more just, free, and prosperous future for generations to come. To help make this a reality, COSA needs your support. 1. Use the form below to sign our petition. There is great power in numbers, and our movement is growing rapidly, thanks to concerned citizens like you. 2. Donate whatever you can to support COSA and make our country’s future as strong as possible. 3. Contact your state representatives and let them know you support an Article V convention to amend the constitution in order to effectively address three critical changes: a. Term limits b. A balanced, responsible budget c. A return to the states those powers that have been taken away by the Feds in D.C. It isn’t hard. But it’s so very important that you help enable these changes…because Congress never will. This is the third of three articles highlighting the potential benefits of an Article V Convention of States. You can read the first article regarding Term Limits, here. You can read the second article, “The Case For a Balanced Budget”, here. #	PETITION_WIDGET{petition_tag:;coalition_id:;anedot_url:}	#

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Created:	2025-02-19 20:49 GMT
Updated:	2025-02-28 08:00 GMT
Published:	2025-02-21 15:12 GMT
Converted:	2025-11-11 12:05 GMT
Change Author:	Jeffrey Myers
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